Hideo Kojima finally confirmed that Death Stranding 2 On The Beach is set to release sometime in 2025 for PlayStation 5. A 9-minute-long trailer was released at the latest PlayStation State of Play on January 31, 2024, giving players a deep dive into the game and what they can expect from Hideo Kojima in his strange but captivating game.
The trailer revealed that the popular pair of Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux from Death Stranding would be returning for the sequel, but Hideo Kojima has now confirmed that one major name from the original title will not be returning for Death Stranding 2, and this has also disappointed some fans.
Mads Mikkelsen’s Cliff Is Not Returning in Death Stranding 2
Hideo Kojima took to X/Twitter and responded to fans’ messages, saying that he has received several “enthusiastic messages” saying that they want to see Cliff Unger in Death Stranding 2 On The Beach. He added that Mads Mikkelsen is “not appearing” in DS2, which expectedly disappointed players, but seeing the events of the original game, it makes sense.
Cliff Unger is a United States Army Special Forces captain and one of the most popular characters in the original title. His story has reached the proper conclusion with major questions answered, and it would not make sense for Mikkelsen’s character to return.
However, this has also divided fans as to why Higgs is returning after being defeated by Norman Reedus’ Sam Porter Bridges. Kojima further said that players who have played the original game would understand why Cliff would not be returning, adding that Cliff played “a very important and special role” in the game. He mentioned that Mads understood this and did a great job playing Cliff.
He concluded by saying, “It is because we care about the character of Cliff that he will not appear in DS2. Please understand.” Although this is bound to disappoint many, the majority of the fans understood where Kojima was coming from and why Cliff not returning was right for the game.
Returning Characters That Are Confirmed for DS2
The trailer for Death Stranding 2 On The Beach confirmed that some of the popular characters from the game are returning, with Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux reprising their roles of Sam Porter Bridges and Fragile, respectively. Sam Porter is returning as the protagonist and will be making deliveries to bring more people, this time outside of the United Cities of America.
The mysterious Fragile is also returning with a new base called Porterbridge and a ship called the Magellan. Higgs is also returning, with Troy Baker voicing the character, this time with a Joker-like appearance and a weaponized electric guitar that is both a sword and a gun.
Lou is also seemingly returning for the sequel, and even though the situation is still mysterious, the trailer features a scene with Sam holding Lou and another scene where a robot betrays Higgs, accompanied by Lou’s laugh. Sandman is also said to be returning for the sequel, but nothing can be confirmed until any other trailer drops for the game.
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